The Self-Care Index

Prioritising your well-being is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. This is especially true when making major life decisions like moving abroad.

Alongside comprehensive health insurance, access to reliable healthcare, mental health support, green spaces, and everyday wellness options can vary significantly from one country to another, and these differences can shape your long-term quality of life as an expat.

To help compare destinations, we’ve created the Self Care Index, highlighting some of the countries that prioritise well-being, from healthcare spending and access to mental health professionals to walking trails and wider wellness infrastructure.

As global interest in physical, mental and preventative health continues to rise, many people are now weighing well‑being factors just as carefully as career prospects and cost of living when choosing where to live.

This shift isn’t just cultural, it’s measurable. Research from the Global Wellness Institute shows that the global wellness economy is expanding year on year, reflecting how strongly individuals value their physical and mental health.

Our 2026 Self-Care Index ranks Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries on the factors that matter most for everyday well-being.

Using data from the World Health Organization, OECD, Numbeo, AllTrails, and Tripadvisor, the index identifies the countries offering the strongest combination of healthcare access, mental health support, lifestyle opportunities, and overall life satisfaction.

The Self Care Index incorporates:

Access to mental health professionals
Investment in healthcare
Wellness and leisure infrastructure
Health system quality and accessibility
Life satisfaction

Together, these metrics paint a clear picture of how well each country supports individuals in maintaining and improving their personal well‑being.

If you’re planning a move overseas, whether for a career opportunity, to start a new life abroad, or to follow a partner relocating for work, understanding how to access healthcare in your destination country is one of the most important steps.

Every country has its own system, and not all provide the same level of support to foreign residents. That’s why international health insurance is essential, helping safeguard your well-being wherever you go.

The top 10 best countries for self-care

Prioritising well-being looks different from person to person.

However, at a national level, strong healthcare systems, accessible mental health support, high life satisfaction, and wellness culture all contribute to creating the best environment.

By analysing seven weighted indicators across OECD nations, we calculated an overall self-care score out of 10 for each country. The higher the score, the more comprehensive and supportive the self-care environment.

The top 10 best countries for self-care in 2026:

1/ Austria
2/ Switzerland
3/ Finland
3/ Iceland
5/ Netherlands
6/ New Zealand
7/ Canada
8/ Australia
9/ Norway
10/ Denmark

1/ Austria

Self-care score: 9.31/10

Austria ranks as the best OECD nation for self-care. With a Health Care Index score of 78.9/100 and health spending equivalent to 11.8% of GDP, the country shows strong investment in public well-being. It outperforms the study averages of 70.3/100 Health Care Index and 9.4% of GDP spent on health.

Austria also has one of the highest densities of mental health professionals, with 324 workers per 100,000 people—over twice as many as the 140.8 average—a critical factor in ensuring accessible psychological support.

Combined with a high number of highly rated spas and walking trails per capita, Austria offers both medical infrastructure and lifestyle balance.

2/ Switzerland

Self-care score: 9.21/10

Switzerland follows closely behind. Known for its pristine landscapes and outdoor culture, Switzerland boasts 3.58 four-star-plus spas per 100,000 residents, one of the highest in the index.

Health spending also accounts for 11.8% of GDP, notably higher than the 9.4% average, and life satisfaction scores are consistently high at 7.7/10.

The combination of preventative healthcare, nature access, and wellness infrastructure makes Switzerland a standout self-care destination.

3/ Finland and Iceland

Self-care score: 9.20/10

Finland and Iceland share third place, but each country leads in different dimensions of well‑being.

Finland records one of the highest life satisfaction scores in the OECD at 7.8/10 and has 3.3 easy five-star walking trails per 100,000 people, highlighting the country’s strong connection between nature and mental wellbeing. Finland has almost three times as many easy five-star walking trails per 100,000 people than the average of all countries.

Iceland, meanwhile, records the highest life satisfaction score in the entire index at 8.1/10 and an exceptional 8.28 four-star-plus spas per 100,000 residents, which is by far the highest spa density of any country analysed. Iceland’s life satisfaction score beats the study average of 7.3/10, and the country has over three times as many four-star-plus spas per 100,000 residents as the average.

Top 10 best countries for self-care

Austria

78.9

324.0

11.8%

7.6

1.2

0.19

1.17

9.31

Switzerland

71.2

103.8

11.8%

7.7

1.6

0.47

3.58

9.21

Finland

77.6

222.2

10.6%

7.8

3.3

0.18

1.71

9.20

Iceland

69.1

131.4

9.0%

8.1

1.8

0.52

8.28

9.20

Netherlands

81.5

N/A

10.0%

7.6

1.6

0.29

1.65

8.87

New Zealand

68.2

167.3

10.1%

7.6

1.4

0.51

6.18

8.76

Canada

68.6

283.1

11.3%

7.4

1.2

0.30

2.53

8.58

Australia

72.0

258.0

10.3%

7.2

0.6

0.58

5.14

8.43

Norway

75.8

247.2

9.7%

7.6

3.1

0.13

2.15

8.42

Denmark

77.2

N/A

9.4%

7.6

6.2

0.27

1.10

8.38

*per 100,000 people

It’s important to look out for your health and safety while living abroad

Discover ways to protect your life and well-being as an expat

Countries leading the way in mental health services

Austria has the strongest mental health workforce density

Access to mental health professionals is an indicator of a country’s ability to support psychological well-being, often linked to mental health treatment being integrated into primary care, and therefore, better access to early intervention.

The countries with the highest number of mental health workers per 100,000 people are:

Austria: 324.0
Colombia: 292.87
Latvia: 283.6
Canada: 283.1
Australia: 258.0

The top two countries are Colombia and Austria, which stand out for having strong mental health workforce density and high overall life satisfaction scores (7.9 and 7.6, respectively).

All five of these countries have more than double the average number of mental health workers per 100,000 people, which sits at 140.8.

Prioritising mental health has never been more important

We look at some of the best countries for mental health

The best countries for walking outside

Denmark is the best country for walking outside

Time spent in nature is often associated with reduced stress and improved mental health. Countries with the highest number of easy, five-star walking trails per 100,000 people include:

Denmark: 6.2
Finland: 3.3
Sweden: 3.3
Norway: 3.1
Estonia: 2.0

Denmark leads significantly in this category, reflecting a culture that integrates outdoor activity into everyday life. The country has more than five times the average number of five-star walking trails per 100,000 people, which is 1.2.

Having such a high number of easy and highly-rated walking trails makes it convenient to fit a walk outside into your daily routine when living in Denmark, and brings the well-being benefits of being in nature and breathing in fresh air.

Different countries have varying health outlooks for their citizens

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The countries with the best spa infrastructure

Iceland has the best spa infrastructure

Access to high-quality spas reflects a country’s broader wellness culture, offering preventative treatments, relaxation therapies, and recovery support that complement traditional healthcare.

When analysing the number of four-star-and-above spas per 100,000 residents, the following countries lead the way:

Iceland: 8.28
New Zealand: 6.18
Greece: 5.56
Australia: 5.14
Ireland: 4.89

Iceland stands out significantly, with a spa density more than three times higher than any other OECD country analysed. Known for its strong focus on eco-wellness and nature-integrated retreats, the country demonstrates how tourism infrastructure can support a broader culture of relaxation and preventative care.

New Zealand and Australia also perform well above the 2.47 average, reflecting their well-developed wellness tourism sectors and outdoor-focused lifestyles.

Meanwhile, Greece and Ireland demonstrate how strong spa infrastructure can complement high life satisfaction scores and established leisure cultures.

Can location influence healing and recovery?

Find out more in our guide to healing and recovery

The countries with the best wellness infrastructure: yoga and Pilates

Yoga and Pilates venues are another strong indicator of a country’s preventative health culture, encouraging flexibility, stress reduction, and long-term joint health.

The countries with the highest density of four-star-and-above yoga and Pilates venues per 100,000 residents are:

Costa Rica: 1.70
Greece: 0.82
Portugal: 0.66
Ireland: 0.63
Spain: 0.58
Australia: 0.58

Each nation in the top five performs at least double the typical provision.

Costa Rica stands out clearly, with more than five times the OECD average, reinforcing its reputation as a destination that blends wellness tourism with everyday lifestyle culture.

Southern European countries also perform strongly, suggesting that established leisure traditions and outdoor living may help support a thriving preventative health environment.

Australia’s joint fifth-place position further reflects how structured wellness activities complement its broader active lifestyle culture.

What concerns do people have regarding their well-being?

Search queries offer a glimpse into common health concerns

Countries investing the most in health

The USA is investing the most in health

Investment in healthcare can reflect national priorities around well-being. The highest health spending as a percentage of GDP was recorded in:

United States: 17.2%
Germany: 12.3%
Austria: 11.8%
Switzerland: 11.8%
United Kingdom: 11.1%

The United States invests almost double the 9.4% of GDP OECD average.

Germany and the United Kingdom both rank strongly for healthcare investment, though broader lifestyle and workforce factors influenced their final self-care scores.

Regular physical activity benefits almost every system in the body

Discover how physical activity can affect your health

Why self-care matters when moving abroad

Relocating overseas is a major life transition — and while salary, lifestyle and cost of living are important, your ability to access trustworthy healthcare and mental health support is just as critical. A destination’s self‑care environment can shape everything from daily stress levels to long‑term health outcomes.

For expats and globally mobile professionals, understanding a country’s healthcare landscape in advance — and securing comprehensive international health insurance — provides essential peace of mind while adjusting to a new environment.

Lee Doran
International Underwriting Manager at William Russell says…

“When people think about moving abroad, they often focus on opportunity and adventure, but access to healthcare, particularly mental health support, is fundamental to long-term well-being.

Countries vary widely in both the availability and quality of services. Having comprehensive international health insurance ensures expats can access the care they need, when they need it, wherever they are in the world.

For globally mobile individuals, whether arranging cover themselves or receiving it as part of an employee benefits package, securing comprehensive health insurance provides reassurance that both physical and mental health needs are covered, particularly in countries where public access may be limited.”

Looking for brighter opportunities abroad?

Take a look at some of the happiest places to live in the world

Self-care

Frequently asked questions

Why is self-care especially important when living abroad?

Well‑being isn’t a luxury — it’s the foundation of a healthy, sustainable life, especially when you’re planning a move abroad.

Living abroad means adapting to new systems, cultures, languages, routines and sometimes stressors you never anticipated. Good self-care, both physical and mental, helps you and your family:

Stay resilient during transitions
Prevent burnout
Maintain a sense of identity and well-being
Enjoy your new environment rather than just cope with it

What are the most common culture shocks experienced by expats?

What are good ways to take care of my mental health abroad?

Self-care for the mind includes:

Keeping routines that work for you (including sleep, meals and exercise)
Building social connections (local groups, expat meet-ups, clubs)
Staying in touch with people back home
Finding support when needed (counsellors, therapists, digital or in-person)

Read more top tips for good mental health as an expat

What are common self-care challenges expats face?

Many expats often report:

Isolation or loneliness
Culture shock
Difficulty navigating healthcare
Language barriers
Time zone differences
Work-life imbalance
Homesickness

Remember — these are all completely normal feelings when moving somewhere new. It’s important to remember you’re not alone.

Ways to overcome feelings of loneliness

Should I prepare a self-care plan before moving abroad?

It’s a good idea to, yes. Moving abroad often means adapting to new healthcare systems, routines and support networks, which can feel overwhelming at first. Having a simple self-care plan in place helps you feel prepared and supported from the start.

This might include understanding how to access healthcare, knowing where to find mental health support, and thinking about how you’ll maintain healthy habits like regular movement, rest and social connection.

It can also help to research local social groups, expat communities or online forums in advance, and to familiarise yourself with any well-being or support services your employer may offer as part of a relocation package.

Planning ahead makes it easier to prioritise your well-being while you settle into your new life.

How can I stay motivated to care for myself when I’m busy settling in?

When everything feels new, self-care can easily slip down the list. The key is to keep it simple and realistic. Small, consistent habits, such as short walks, sticking to basic routines or taking regular breaks, can have a big impact.

Try to build self-care into your daily life rather than treating it as an extra task. Giving yourself time to adjust and lowering expectations during the early stages can also help you stay motivated and avoid burnout.

Are there any apps or online tools that help with expat self-care?

Yes! At William Russell, we’re taking your insurance one step further.

Our international health insurance policies now include Elevate, a curated selection of complimentary services offering total support for your health, mind, well-being and safety.

Elevate gives members access to services like our online doctor, confidential counselling, travel security assistance and digital well-being support.

With Elevate, your insurance does more than cover you when things go wrong—it helps you live a healthier, happier, safer life when you’re living or working abroad.

Looking after your well-being

TELUS Health Engage helps you build a happier, healthier, more resilient lifestyle. You can find all the well-being support you need in one place and manage your lifestyle like never before. With gamified challenges, daily incentives and access to exclusive discounts and prizes to keep you on track, you’ll be living a more mindful life in no time.

You can also access confidential counselling support whenever you need it, whether you’re navigating a personal challenge, working through a career or relationship concern, or simply want a safe space to talk things through and seek guidance.

Discover Elevate

Thinking of moving abroad?

While self-care ultimately starts with the individual, your environment can significantly shape your ability to prioritise well-being.

Countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Finland, and Iceland demonstrate how strong healthcare systems, mental health provision, outdoor access, and wellness culture combine to create supportive environments for thriving, not just surviving.

For those considering moving abroad in 2026, looking beyond salary and sunshine to consider long-term well-being may be one of the most important decisions you make.

The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

If you have questions about your physical or mental health, or how a move abroad may affect your care, you should always seek personalised guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

If you have any questions or concerns related to stress management, exercise, or your personal self‑care routines, you should speak to a doctor or healthcare provider.

Healthcare quality can vary significantly between countries

Which countries have the best healthcare in the world?

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of helping expatriates finding best places in the world to move abroad and settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. William Russell offers global health insurance that covers you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays, and we can even offer emergency medical evacuation to patients who require emergency life or limb-threatening treatment in other countries where it’s not available locally.

Terms & conditions apply to our insurance products and services. You can find full details of what our plans cover (and what they don’t cover) in our plan agreements.

Discover more about how international health insurance can support your health overseas

Learn More

Methodology

William Russell provides international health, life, and income protection insurance to people living and working abroad. With over 30 years of experience supporting individuals, families and global professionals, we help expats access quality healthcare, safeguard their income, and plan for a secure future wherever they choose to live.

We created our Self Care Index to reveal where in the world has the best self-care, looking at OECD countries with the following data and sources:

Health Care Index score sourced from Numbeo
Total number of mental health workers per 100,000 sourced from World Health Organization’s Mental Health Atlas. We used the data from the 2024 edition where available, and for those unavailable, we used the 2020 version.
Health spending as a percentage of GDP sourced from OECD
Life satisfaction score sourced from OECD
Number of easy, five-star walking trails in the country sourced from All Trails
Number of four-star and above yoga and pilates venues in the country sourced from Tripadvisor
Number of four-star and above spas in the country sourced from Tripadvisor

We then used The World Bank to normalise the Tripadvisor data per 100,000 people

We combined this data into a weighted table, giving each factor a normalised score out of 10. We then took an average of these scores to get our overall self-care scores out of 10.

Note: Recent workforce data was unavailable for a small number of countries, including the United States, and therefore this factor was excluded from their weighted mental health analysis to ensure consistency.

All data was collected in February 2026 and is correct as of then.

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The Self-Care Index: Best Countries For Well-Being In 2026

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